Nursing Elites

1. What are the signs and symptoms of hyperkalemia and how should it be managed?

• A. Muscle weakness and cardiac arrhythmias; administer calcium gluconate
• B. Confusion and bradycardia; administer insulin and glucose
• C. Fatigue and irregular heart rate; administer diuretics
• D. Nausea and vomiting; administer sodium bicarbonate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The signs and symptoms of hyperkalemia include muscle weakness and cardiac arrhythmias, making choice A correct. Hyperkalemia can lead to dangerous cardiac effects, and calcium gluconate is used to stabilize the heart by antagonizing the effects of potassium. Choices B, C, and D describe symptoms and interventions that are not typically associated with hyperkalemia. Confusion and bradycardia are not common in hyperkalemia, and insulin and glucose are used in hyperkalemia only under specific circumstances. Fatigue and irregular heart rate are vague symptoms, and diuretics are not the primary treatment for hyperkalemia. Nausea and vomiting are nonspecific symptoms and sodium bicarbonate is not indicated for the management of hyperkalemia.

2. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent infection?

• A. Monitor the client's electrolyte levels
• B. Change the TPN tubing every 24 hours
• C. Monitor blood glucose levels every 4 hours
• D. Administer insulin as prescribed

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Changing the TPN tubing every 24 hours is crucial in preventing infection by reducing the risk of bacterial contamination. Monitoring electrolyte levels (choice A) is essential but not directly related to preventing TPN-related infections. Monitoring blood glucose levels (choice C) is important for clients receiving TPN, but it is more related to glycemic control than infection prevention. Administering insulin as prescribed (choice D) is necessary for clients with diabetes but is not directly linked to preventing TPN-related infections.

3. An RN is making assignments for client care to an LPN at the beginning of the shift. Which of the following assignments should the LPN question?

• A. Assisting a client who is 24 hr postop to use an incentive spirometer
• B. Collecting a clean catch urine specimen from a client who was admitted on the previous shift
• C. Providing nasopharyngeal suctioning for a client who has pneumonia
• D. Replacing the cartridge and tubing on a PCA pump

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The LPN should question the assignment of replacing the PCA pump cartridge and tubing as it is outside the LPN's scope of practice. LPNs are not trained to handle tasks related to PCA pumps, which involve medication administration and monitoring that are typically within the RN's responsibilities. Assisting a postop client with an incentive spirometer (Choice A), collecting a clean catch urine specimen (Choice B), and providing nasopharyngeal suctioning for a client with pneumonia (Choice C) are all tasks that fall within the LPN's scope of practice and do not require questioning by the LPN.

4. A client is learning to use a cane. What instruction is essential for this client?

• A. Advance the cane and the weaker leg at the same time
• B. Maintain two points of support on the ground at all times
• C. Use the cane on the weaker side for better support
• D. Advance the cane 30 to 45 cm with each step

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client learning to use a cane is to maintain two points of support on the ground at all times. This ensures better stability and reduces the risk of falls. Choice A is incorrect because advancing the cane and the weaker leg simultaneously may lead to imbalance. Choice C is incorrect because the cane should be used on the stronger side to provide support. Choice D is incorrect because there is no specific measurement for advancing the cane with each step, and the focus should be on maintaining stability.

5. A nurse is preparing to administer a client's morning medications. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to verify the client's identity?

• A. Ask the client's full name
• B. Scan the client's facility identification band
• C. Call the client's name
• D. Verify with a second nurse

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action to verify a client's identity when administering medications is to scan the client's facility identification band. This method ensures accuracy and helps prevent medication errors. Asking the client's full name (Choice A) may not be reliable as names can be similar, leading to confusion. Calling the client's name (Choice C) may not be effective if there are multiple clients with the same name in the facility. Verifying with a second nurse (Choice D) is an important safety measure for certain tasks but is not specifically for verifying a client's identity.

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